National Day of Mourning April 28, 2023

The National Day of Mourning is a day to remember and honour workers who lost their lives or experienced a workplace injury or illness because of a workplace tragedy. The Day of Mourning was first recognized in Canada in 1984. The Canadian Labour Council first held its first day of remembrance in 1986. Traditionally on April 28 the Canadian flag is flown at half-mast on Parliament Hill and on all federal buildings. More than one hundred (100) countries now observe April 28 as a Day of Mourning.

On April 28 Unions, families, community organizations, faith groups and others gather to honour those who lost their lives in the workplace and to recommit to working towards establishing safe and healthy conditions in the workplace so as to prevent further fatalities, injuries and illnesses.

COPE Ontario encourages all its members across Ontario to:

Attend a Day of Mourning event in your community
Encourage your family, friends, and neighbours to attend a Day of Mourning ceremony
Ask your Employer to publicize the Day of Mourning on their website
Work with local media to promote and cover the Day of Mourning events
Use digital tools by posting photos and messages about the importance of the Day of
Press elected officials to support better enforcement of health and safety regulations.
COPE Ontario encourages its members and all Employers, organizations, and communities to pause and observe a moment of silence at 11 am on April 28th.

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Canadian Labour Congress Convention 2026

On May 11-15, 2026, members of COPE Ontario joined thousands of delegates from across Canada at the 31st Canadian Labour Congress Convention (CLC) in Winnipeg.

This was a chance to show the power of workers coming together and to work towards building a better future - one that protects Canadian workers and jobs.

Speakers at the convention included CLC President Bea Bruske who spoke to the challenges of unemployment, tariffs and wealth disparity within the workforce.

“Canadian workers are being squeezed from every direction,” said Bruske. “Donald Trump’s trade war is putting jobs and industries at risk. Austerity and cuts to public services are weakening the supports workers and families rely on. At the same time, employers are using automation, AI, and algorithms to increase insecurity and weaken protections on the job. Workers are standing together to fight back".

COPE Ontario is so proud of it's members who represented us at the convention!

Charlie Angus speaks at COPE Ontario's 2026 AGM

COPE Ontario hosted their Annual General Meeting on May 2-3, 2026, bringing together members from across the province. A highlight of the meeting was this powerful speech from former NDP MP Charlie Angus, now a leading voice in the resistance movement and host of a popular podcast.

Angus delivered a passionate call for Canadian unity in the face of rising authoritarianism south of the border, urging members to recognize the historic significance of Canada's collective economic boycott of the United States. A movement largely overlooked by mainstream media, Angus argued it represents a defining moment for Canadians, and one that labour must lead.